Throughout history there have been tyrants who have abused their authority and ignored their duty to selflessly guide those under their charge. Likewise, there are husbands who ignore or abuse their call to sacrificially lead their wives and children. A tyrant abuses his position of authority to oppress and use, rather than to protect and build up. Partly because …

“My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, none at all exalt Him.” (Hosea 11:7)

This verse should get our attention. Those of us who call on the name of the Lord, are we faithful? Do we truly exalt him in word and deed? In the second chapter of Malachi, the Israelites weep and groan …

“To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. “ (Isaiah 61:3)